Fourth Edition of the Intercultural University Forum in Meknes, Morocco Emphasizes Role of Environmental Awareness in Higher Education

AUSTIN, Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The fourth edition of the Intercultural University Forum, co-sponsored by International Studies Abroad (ISA), took place November 4th through November 6th at Moulay Ismail University in Meknes, Morocco.  The theme of this season's forum, Ecology on Campus, brought together students, faculty, staff and governmental officials to participate in panel discussions, workshops, and performances that focused on international environmental issues.

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There were more than two hundred people in attendance for the fourth edition of the forum, including representatives from the Moroccan Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism and the European Union Ambassador to Morocco.  Audience members were encouraged to participate in question and answer sessions following discussions, and student participants presented conclusions and future courses of action to address the root causes and solutions to environmental problems.

Roundtable discussions during the three-day forum covered topics such as the "environmentalization" of higher education, multidisciplinary approaches to ecology, the impact of economic development in Morocco, and agriculture and its impact on soil. Speakers from International Studies Abroad (ISA), Moulay Ismail University, Shanghai International Studies University, Antonio de Nebrija University, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung and others participated in these discussions to offer their unique perspectives on environmental issues. "One thing that makes this conference truly unique is the faculty and student collaboration.  They have always worked closely together to plan and present their panels and cultural performances," says Bill Clabby, ISA Executive Vice President of Research and Special Programs.

In addition to the roundtable discussions, participants were given a tour of the historic medina of Meknes, one of Morocco's four imperial cities. There were also performances by local artists and student musicians covering a fusion of musical styles from hip-hop to Moroccan percussion.  

Abdallah Malki, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities of Moulay Ismail University, gave the closing remarks at the plenary session.  He spoke about the environmental issues discussed during the forum and offered perspective on the future of ecology within Morocco. Looking towards a future of responsible development, Malki said he was compiling a list of efforts to improve campus ecology in the years ahead.  "It's inspiring to see that the students have already planned follow-up meetings to explore and implement positive changes in Meknes and Morocco as a whole as a result of the well-researched information given at the forum!" says Clabby.

Established in 2008, the Intercultural University Forum came about as a result of conversations held between an ISA student and a local Moroccan student. Their idea was to develop an arena for individuals from diverse backgrounds to listen, share and learn about political and social issues affecting the global community. Since its inception, students have played an integral role in the development, production and execution of all aspects of the event. The forums are planned and produced by the efforts of ISA Meknes students, local students of Moulay Ismail University, ISA Morocco and ISA Spain Resident Staff, Moulay Ismail University faculty and staff, and members of the local community.

For more details about study abroad with ISA, please contact Dominick Luciano ([email protected]) or visit www.studiesabroad.com.

SOURCE International Studies Abroad (ISA)

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